We'll be naming an all-star team of officials who have gone above and beyond to serve the American people.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Government Executive, and in honor of that landmark, we're introducing a new awards program to honor distinguished federal managers and executives and industry leaders for outstanding achievement in delivering on government’s promise to serve the American people.

The Leadership Awards program will annually recognize an all-star team in the following categories:

Visionaries: For those who have developed promising new approaches to solving government’s biggest challenges

Directors: For excellence in managing people, programs and policy implementation

Pathfinders: For innovation in bringing advances in information technology to government

Defenders: For distinguished achievement in national security, homeland security and international affairs

Masters: For noteworthy accomplishments in science-related endeavors in areas such as space, health, environment, energy and agriculture

Partners: For private-sector allies whose support and guidance of government initiatives was key to their success

In addition to the Leadership Awards, the Government Hall of Fame will enshrine the best of the best: those who have demonstrated sustained achievement and unparalleled dedication to public service throughout their careers. Each year a new class of inductees will be added to this group’s elite membership.